375mL bottle drunk 9/11/2026.
Ah the mythical, or probably more accurately, the infamous Blueberry Flanders. Side Project hasn't made this alleged acid bomb since 2019. This, batch 2, is from 2018 and I'm hoping it's softened over the course of its 8 year rest.
A bit of vinegar character in the nose, but also a beautiful, beautiful, very aromatic and powerful blueberry. From my experience, that's hard to do with real blueberries. Soft floral notes with lots of skin character and a touch of earthiness. Maybe a bit of Brett and oak joining in. Doesn't smell TOO sour....
Quick burst of acetic character up front is worrisome but it softens out through chewy oak tannin and malt, as well as soft fruit. Acidity almost fully dissipates by the finish leaving blueberry, oak and an easygoing acid blend. Still good structure, great fruit and, honestly, at this point anyways, the acetic acid is well within the expected range for a Flanders style. Again, the fruit is a standout here and pretty incredible expression still going strong at 8 years. It must have been a mess when young though (coupled with the obviously much more intense acid). But I'm happy to have missed that time in its life and get in now when the gettins' good.